Beach Group officer relieved of duty

The second-in-command of Naval Beach Group 2, based in Virginia Beach, has been relieved after an investigation found that he sexually harassed women under his command, the Navy announced Friday.

Cmdr. Christopher Polk was given a punitive letter of reprimand and temporarily reassigned to the command staff of Expeditionary Strike Group 2, according to a release from Naval Surface Force Atlantic.

He was relieved by Rear Adm. David M. Thomas Jr.

Besides sexual harassment, an investigation found that Polk violated articles in the Uniform Code of Military Justice by demonstrating conduct unbecoming of a commissioned officer and using indecent language.

Naval Beach Group Two is stationed at Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story. It provides personnel and equipment to support an amphibious operation or exercise through four subordinate commands.

The four commands are two units of assault craft, an amphibious construction battalion and a beach master unit that provides tactical support to amphibious operations.